South Korean Delegation Learning “Duluth Model”

Domestic Violence Model Helps Organizations Work Together to Help Victims

DULUTH, Minn. – A delegation from South Korea is in Duluth today to research the famed “Duluth Model” for ending domestic violence.

The model connects government agencies with non-government organizations so they work together to help victims.

“If you are listening to the experience of the people you’re serving, that gives you the agenda for change,” said Scott Miller, program coordinator of the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program. “So in other words, when a system intervenes in the life of a victim, what does it do that makes it better, what does it do that doesn’t make it so good, and that becomes your agenda for change.”

The Korean delegates say domestic violence charges are rarely pursued in their country.

“The punishment is really rare so we need really big changes in Korea so we came here and we will go back and we make the change,” said Nranhee Song, a Korean delegate.

After a day of learning from the domestic abuse intervention program in Duluth, they will return to Korea and try to implement parts of the Duluth Model there.